Tech Talk: CarPlay - Apple connects vehicles with iOS

Official mobile device integration in cars has been slow going, but business should pick up this year.

Last week, Apple announced CarPlay, an initiative to provide official iPhone integration in cars made by supported partners.

Users generally have two choices when working with tech in the car: Use the vehicle’s built-in software or switch to their mobile device.

While car manufacturers do a pretty good job making good-looking hardware, the quality of in-car infotainment software varies wildly. Mobile devices have convenient, usable software, but small screens can pose a safety risk.

CarPlay, along with competing solutions, looks to bridge that gap and provide users with the best of both worlds.

CarPlay

First announced as iOS in the Car at last year’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference, CarPlay (www.apple.com/ios/carplay) works with an automobile’s existing software to allow tighter integration to iOS and a user’s iPhone.

The rise of the iPod and iPhone as music and multimedia devices has long given Apple basic connectivity to vehicles through a dock cable or auxiliary line, but CarPlay will give users access to features beyond music, such as maps, text messaging and supported third-party apps.

CarPlay isn’t a standalone system; the user needs to have an iPhone 5, 5C or 5S. Users start by connecting their phone to the vehicle with a lightning cable, which turns the vehicle’s built-in infotainment system — including display and controls — into an extension of iOS. Actions using the vehicle’s display or controls are sent to the phone, which acts as main data connection and “brain” for the system.

While CarPlay can use the vehicle’s standard controls, Apple is likely hoping that users opt for voice controls though Siri. Talk of more computers and devices in the car is often met with safety concerns; a strong hands-free system would go a long way to keeping roads safe.

The actual CarPlay implementation in each vehicle is up to each manufacturer, so research the vehicle you’re interested in to see if the way CarPlay is what you’re looking for. Some companies, such as Volvo, have done a better job using the technology and adapting it to their vehicles.

Platform choice

What Apple is looking to do isn’t entirely new; each manufacturer has some infotainment platform that offers some degree of connectivity. For example, Ford integrates with smartphones and apps through its SYNC AppLink platform.

Other standards, such as MirrorLink and Google’s partnering with the Open Automotive Alliance, aim for a more open connectivity experience. With Apple limiting the third-party apps that can be run from CarPlay at launch and restricting the map experience to Apple Maps, there are concerns that competitors will be shut out. MirrorLink and Google’s Android solution will likely be friendlier to third parties.

For the first time, consumers may start considering a vehicle’s supported software when shopping for a new ride. Instead of asking if the car just has an aux port, users might choose a vehicle based on which mobile platform and apps it can interface with.

If Apple and Google move their mobile battle to the automobile, watch for device integration to be a major selling point in new cars. These new solutions offer the power and connectivity of a mobile device with the accessibility and safety of in-dash controls.

This is the opinion of Times Digital Products Specialist Andrew Fraser. Follow him on Twitter @AndrewFraser.